2021 Infiniti Q50 Safety Report

The 2021 INFINITI Q50 presents a mixed safety picture based on the available NHTSA data. While it has a relatively low number of total complaints (4), this could be due to its newer model year. The vehicle has received a 5-star rollover rating, which is excellent, but lacks overall, frontal, and side crash test ratings from NHTSA, making a comprehensive assessment of its crashworthiness difficult. The complaint data, though sparse, points to diverse issues including WHEELS, AIR BAGS, STRUCTURE, and VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL/FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE, each with one complaint. Recall history is a more significant concern, with three recalls issued for critical safety components. These include a recall for 'BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION' where a software error could deactivate the rear-view camera, increasing crash risk. Another recall addresses 'SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:SPINDLE' issues, where a deformed steering knuckle or rear axle could lead to loss of steering control or wheel separation. Most critically, a recall for 'ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM):SOFTWARE' indicates that incorrect engine power reduction after rapid acceleration could cause an engine stall, significantly increasing crash risk. One complaint specifically mentions an incident where the car accelerated on its own due to a 'manufacturer defect', which aligns with the engine control module recall's potential consequences. Given the low complaint volume but the presence of three safety-critical recalls, the overall safety picture suggests potential underlying issues that manufacturers are actively addressing. The lack of comprehensive crash test ratings is a notable gap. Buyers should pay close attention to whether all recall remedies have been performed on any specific vehicle.

Our recommendation: Given the critical safety recalls and lack of full crash test data, prospective buyers should ensure all three recalls have been addressed and consider a pre-purchase inspection focusing on engine and suspension components.